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Second Annual Future Leaders Forum Helps High School Students Chart Career Dreams

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.-(Business Wire)-September 25, 2008 - Select students from around the world are packing their bags and heading to Walt Disney World Resort for the second annual Future Leaders Forum (www.futureleadersforum.com). In a partnership between The Toro Company, Walt Disney World Resort and The First Tee, this innovative educational program helps strengthen leadership skills, prepare for college, and explore the many career disciplines in and outside the game of golf.

During a three-day immersion in the sport, business and science of golf, 50 outstanding students from The First Tee facilities around the world will attend this year’s Future Leaders Forum, November 6-9, and receive practical training to become productive leaders in their classrooms, communities and careers.

“The Future Leaders Forum is a unique learning experience for our participants,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., CEO of The First Tee. “This will give them the opportunity to explore various career opportunities within the golf industry and ultimately plan ahead for their future. We are delighted to partner with The Toro Company and Walt Disney World Resort to make this program possible for the second year in a row.”

The Future Leaders Forum is being held in conjunction with the Children’s Miracle Network Classic presented by Walmart – the final stop on the 2008 PGA TOUR Fall Series. The forum came to life when The Toro Company, Walt Disney World Resort and The First Tee teamed together last year to provide a unique learning experience for 50 students from worldwide Chapters of The First Tee.

At the Future Leaders Forum, students will learn first-hand from industry leaders about career opportunities in tournament operations, golf course management and entertainment – among others. Students will attend sessions hosted by the PGA of America, PGA TOUR Operations, and Nicklaus Companies; as well as discover what it takes to run a professional golf event when they shadow tournament staff at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic. For many individuals, the forum not only provides access to their first professional tournament, but also to some of the world’s most renowned golfers and golf industry leaders.

“It’s been extremely rewarding to be a part of this program,” said Mike Hoffman, chairman and CEO of The Toro Company. “We all stand to gain from these young leaders as they develop and achieve their own personal and professional success. Looking ahead, we believe these experiences will help prepare them for many exciting career opportunities. Our hope is one day they will influence the growth of our industry.”

Recognized as a preeminent positive youth development organization, The First Tee operates more than 500 learning facilities and program affiliates in 48 states and four international locations and has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants.

“We’re excited to host the Future Leaders Forum at Walt Disney World Resort where dreams really can come true for these talented students,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney’s Sports Attractions. “Through this immersive experience, students can apply the values they’ve already learned on the golf course – such as honesty, integrity and sense of fair play – and relate them directly to their careers.”

“The Future Leaders Forum opened my eyes to opportunities I never knew existed,” said Raven Sanders, 2007 Future Leaders Forum participant. “I first learned about Imagineering from one of the team leads and realized there were enjoyable and unique opportunities in the engineering field. The Future Leaders Forum helped me make this very important life decision.”

The 50 young leaders, from 38 Chapters of The First Tee, were selected through an essay competition and application process. Nominees submitted a 200-word essay about their career aspirations and post-high school plans; a listing of involvement in school and community activities; and a letter of recommendation describing the student’s leadership skills. (A complete list of participants is included below.)

Future Leaders Forum Curriculum

The First Tee, Walt Disney World Resort and The Toro Company collaborated to provide attendees with a unique educational experience in leadership development and career preparedness. Some of the courses include:

Disney’s Leadership Excellence – Today’s students – tomorrow’s business leaders – investigate proven management strategies employed within the Walt Disney Company and learn how to apply those philosophies to their own personal goals and leadership style.
From the Ground Up – With many exciting opportunities in the turf industry, students will hear from Nicklaus Companies on pursuing dreams in the golf industry and course design. They’ll also learn about the responsibilities of today’s sports turf managers in keeping turf healthy and safe – for everyone from professional athletes to community sports teams.
Career Track – Students participate in exercises to help prepare for post high school by developing long-range plans and setting goal ladders. The First Tee PACE Resource Center (Providing Assistance for Careers and Education) also provides individuals with tools for career exploration, test preparation and scholarship opportunities.
Professional Golf Management – Hosted by the PGA of America, the session provides an overview of the golf industry and opportunities in golf through the PGA’s Professional Golf Management program.

FUTURE LEADERS FORUM 2008 PARTICIPANTS

Kelsey Berg, The First Tee of Greater Seattle

Robby Biesel, The First Tee of San Diego

Eddie Bolden, The First Tee of St. Louis

Joseph Botkins, The First Tee of Greater Seattle

Bradley Chandler, The First Tee of The Sandhills (NC)

Graham Clouse, The First Tee of Pine Mountain (TN)

Lauren Conder, The First Tee of Contra Costa (CA)

Kelly Copeland, The First Tee of Valparaiso (IN)

Valeria De Fex, The First Tee of Dallas

Anna Dibert, The First Tee of Prince William County (VA)

Kyle DiGiacobbe, The First Tee of Philadelphia

Edward Estrada, The First Tee of Contra Costa (CA)

Kyle Gaillard, The First Tee of Metropolitan New York

Spencer Golden-Sims, The First Tee of Canton (OH)

Stephen Graddick, The First Tee of Charlotte

Shaneadra Graham, The First Tee of Pursell Farms (AL)

Sal Guardiola, The First Tee of Phoenix

Jon Halpern, The First Tee of Pittsburgh

Matalia Hill, The First Tee of Atlanta

Kipper House, The First Tee of Pine Mountain (TN)

Matthew Hughes, The First Tee of San Antonio

Michael Hughes, The First Tee of The Triangle (NC)

Zach Hughes, The First Tee of Greater Kansas City

Ryan Irish, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento

Nicklaus Janss, The First Tee of Greater Austin

Clifton Jordan, The First Tee of Memphis

Kymberly Juettemeyer, The First Tee of San Antonio

Sumit Khetan, The First Tee of Nassau County (NY)

Kristle Koh, The First Tee of Singapore

Amanda Lim, The First Tee of San Francisco

Lauren Lynch, The First Tee of Three Rivers Park District (MN)

Hannah Martin, The First Tee of Salina (KS)

Melissa Merrigan, The First Tee of The Children's Course (OR)

Evan Myer, The First Tee of Pittsburgh

Daniel Ortega, The First Tee of San Antonio

Viviana Perez, The First Tee of Richmond & Chesterfield (VA)

Kurt Ramont, The First Tee of Modesto (CA)

Andrew Roberts, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento

Nick Schafer, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento

Ericka Schneider, The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee (FL)

Brian Schulte, The First Tee of Detroit

Ryan Schumacher, The First Tee of Chattanooga (TN)

Anthony Stewart, The First Tee of Augusta

Will Swygert, The First Tee of Howard County (MD)

Cody Taylor, The First Tee of Dallas

Sterling Tran, The First Tee of Augusta

Tylor Welch, The First Tee of Roanoke Valley (VA)

Sara Wood, The First Tee of The Children's Course (OR)

Jonathan Wyble, The First Tee of Tampa Bay

Beau Zastrow, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento

Since 1998, The Toro Company has been a premier corporate partner and preferred supplier of golf course maintenance and irrigation equipment for The First Tee. Toro also is the official provider of turf and irrigation equipment for Walt Disney World Resort.

About The Toro Company

The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. Through the Toro Giving Program, Toro is committed to beautifying and preserving outdoor environments, enhancing communities and improving people’s lives. The contributions – monetary, in-kind and volunteerism – are focused on improving communities where our employees live, work and play, as well as strengthening the turf industry. Visit the company Web site at www.thetorocompany.com.

About Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort, located in Central Florida near Orlando, is a complete vacation destination featuring themed resort hotels, four theme parks, two water parks, recreation activities and 81 holes of golf within four 18-hole championships courses, including two that host an annual PGA TOUR event, and a 9-hole family-oriented course. Guest information and reservations are available at www.disneyworld.com, by calling 407-W DISNEY or by visiting a local travel agent.

About The First Tee:

The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants and students in 48 states and four international locations – Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore. Former President George Bush serves as honorary chairman.

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